Things to Do in Des Moines (2025)

Chef Joe Tripp’s vegetable-forward tasting menus marry Iowa farms with Southeast Asian technique. Repeatedly recognized by the James Beard Foundation and highlighted by Eater, it’s the modern DSM dining room locals recommend for a special night.

A community magnet for inventive lagers and the beloved Smushburger. National beer media like Hop Culture and USA Today’s 10Best have praised Lua’s energy and quality, while the team keeps a steady cadence of releases and events.

Beloved riverside taproom with bike‑trail access, a dog‑friendly patio, and weekly new beers. Its Thursday summer concert series and reliable hours make it a perennial hangout noted by local calendars for the relaxed scene.

Downtown’s intimate jazz room pairs classic cocktails with touring and homegrown acts. Cityview has spotlighted its 10‑year milestone and packed 2025 bookings, confirming Noce as the city’s polished, locals‑first stage.

Monger‑led tastings and a deep cut‑to‑order case make this neighborhood stalwart a favorite of chefs and fans. Midwest Living has called it one of the region’s best, and local writers echo the acclaim.

Roasting on Ingersoll since 1993, this independent coffeehouse anchors DSM’s caffeine culture with small‑batch beans, a full espresso bar, and rotating local art—often praised by Cityview readers and regional coffee guides.

Iowa’s sharp‑witted screen printer and design shop doubles as a culture stop. Travel + Leisure points East Village visitors here for locally made humor and civic pride; locals come for community events and collab merch.

An artist‑run venue near Drake booking indie, jazz, and global tours alongside local showcases. Its robust 2025 schedule across major ticket platforms underscores xBk’s role as a key stage in the scene.

Urban winery minutes from downtown with lawn concerts, seasonal festivals, and Iowa‑grown pours. Its free Thursday summer series draws big local crowds and appears regularly on arts calendars statewide.

Independent since 2006, this bookstore champions Iowa authors, lively book clubs, and helps present the DSM Book Festival. Local media consistently feature its author talks and community partnerships.

Casual riverfront bar at Birdland Marina on the Neal Smith Trail. Known for live music, bike culture, and river views—its active events calendar keeps it on the weekly rotation for locals across neighborhoods.

A chef‑driven riff on diner fare from James Beard semifinalist Chris Hoffmann. Eater and local critics celebrate the CFD burger, oysters, and seasonal plates—perfect before or after East Village exploring.